Pediatric dentists Cody Hughes and Jeff Higbee struck out on their own in June, opening up Valley Pediatric Dental at 350 W. Falcon Ridge Parkway, Building 200, Suite 101.

They started seeing patients one day a week but have gotten enough business now they're seeing patients three days a week, he said. One of those days is in a Logandale office.

As the two see more demand they will extend office hours and the two are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for emergencies, Hughes said.

"I started practicing here in 2010 out of Dr. Morris' office and then moved over to Dr. Blazzard's office in 2012," Hughes said. "After a year there we decided we needed our own space."

Hughes, a Mesquite native, and Higbee of Cedar City, Utah, specialize in children 0 to 18 years old except in extenuating circumstances, such as special needs. They offer sedation and hospital dentistry, which is putting youth to sleep for procedures.

Children who visit the office are eligible to join the Sugarbug Safari Club. The program includes online activities and the chance to earn points, which can be used to "buy" prizes.

"It's an incentive program," Hughes said. "The kids get points for brushing, if they are brave for their appointment, for no cavities, if they wear their t-shirt to the office; there are a lot of ways to earn points."

Youth can go to the website and sign up and when they get enough points can get gift cards, movie tickets or even an iPad, he said. They can earn points for setting up oral health programs at their schools too.

"It's a way to get them invested in their dental health," he said.

Hughes went to dental school at University of Las Vegas School of Medicine and moved on to a two-year residency at Riley's Children's Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana. While there he worked with children afflicted with autism, down syndrome and cerebral palsy.

He also has a Master of Science in Dentistry degree and minored in child psychology.

He teaches classes, covers clinics and is director of pediatric dentistry at UNLV in addition to being a business owner.

Higbee earned a Bachelor of Science degree at Southern Utah University and then moved to UNLV where he completed dental school. He took part in specialty training at Hasbro Children's Hospital and Saint Joseph's Hospital for Specialty Care in Rhode Island. He was chief pediatric dental resident during his last year there.

He also treated special needs youth as well as dealing with patients from around the world during this time.

Higbee, a father of three, is fluent in Spanish.

The office at Valley Pediatric Dental is open from 8 to 11 a.m., Monday through Thursday and from 8 a.m to 4: 30 p.m. on Fridays.

The Logandale office is at 3310 N. Moapa Valley Blvd.

Parents can download forms and ask for appointments online at Valleypediatricdental.com or call 888-963-9601 for more information.